MELI Manager

SmartStart; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A national NGO network is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Manager to enhance early learning initiatives. This role entails developing MELI systems, enabling teams to utilize data for program improvement, and building capacity across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree, at least 4 years of experience in MELI, and a solid understanding of the development sector. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on early childhood education in South Africa.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least three technical MELI areas.
• Proficiency in mixed-methods research approaches.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain MELI frameworks and tools.
• Enable teams to use data for programme improvement.
• Lead rapid-cycle experiments and evaluations.
• Synthesize data for strategic decision-making.

Skills

Monitoring and Evaluation expertise

Technical writing

Leadership

Capacity building

Education

Master’s degree in MELI or related field

Job description

Johannesburg, South Africa | Posted on 11/11/2025

Overview

SmartStart is a successful national network of NGOs and partners that realises quality, affordable early learning for all children aged three to five. We are achieving this by scaling a network of providers, building a platform, and promoting early learning as a priority societal cause.

Responsibilities

1. Design and Implementation of MELI Systems

   • Develop, refine, and maintain fit-for-purpose monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MELI) frameworks and tools that align with SmartStart’s strategic goals and learning priorities.
   • Collaborate with IT and data teams to ensure MELI systems are robust, flexible, and support real-time data collection, analysis, and reporting.
   • Establish and update key performance indicators (KPIs) and feedback mechanisms to track programme progress and impact.

2. Data-Driven Learning and Adaptive Management

   • Enable teams and stakeholders to collect, interpret, and use data for programme improvement and strategic decision-making.
   • Build capacity across the organisation to engage with performance data, identify gaps, and take corrective action.
   • Facilitate regular review sessions and learning loops to synthesise insights, drive programme adaptation, and foster continuous improvement.

3. Experimentation, Evaluation, and Knowledge Management

   • Lead the design and execution of rapid-cycle experiments and developmental evaluations to test and adapt programme models.
   • Manage MELI projects, including scope, schedule, finance, risk, and quality, ensuring effective resource allocation and team performance.
   • Support the dissemination and integration of evaluation findings and experimental insights into programme planning and development cycles.

4. Strategic Alignment and Systems Thinking

   • Synthesise data and insights to support leadership in sense-making, decision-making, and strategic coherence.
   • Promote alignment between MELI activities, organisational strategy, and funder requirements.
   • Ensure SmartStart’s Theory of Change is embedded in decision-making and programme design.

5. Reporting and Communication

   • Coordinate with programme and data teams to produce accurate, timely, and insightful monitoring and evaluation reports for internal and external stakeholders.
   • Develop and maintain standardised reporting templates and guidelines to ensure consistency and compliance with donor and internal requirements.
   • Present data insights and recommendations to senior management and key stakeholders.

6. Capacity Building and Change Management

   • Develop and deliver training on MELI methodologies, data interpretation, and adaptive management to staff and partners.
   • Support teams and partners in adopting MELI tools, frameworks, and practices, fostering a culture of disciplined innovation and structured experimentation.

7. Continuous Improvement and Innovation

   • Facilitate the interpretation and sense-making of data to derive actionable insights and recommendations.
   • Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging data-driven decision-making and innovation across the organisation.
   • Develop and implement feedback mechanisms to capture lessons learned and best practices from ongoing projects.

8. People Management

   • Manage and support direct reports, facilitating their growth and development through coaching, training, and capacity-building.

Qualifications

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s (or working towards) degree in MELI or related field
• At least 4 years’ relevant experience
• Demonstrated expertise in at least three technical MELI areas, such as building M&E systems, evaluation design, impact studies, research, designing and facilitating M&E training, and providing technical assistance
• Proficiency in mixed-methods research approaches; quantitative approaches, advantageous
• Experience managing multiple M&E-related projects and external contractors
• Proven experience in technical writing and presentation/facilitation
• Deep understanding of at least one area of the development sector (education, health, early childhood development, youth skills, etc.)
• Experience managing fieldwork advantageous
• Work experience in funder reporting is advantageous